Meda has settled the U.S. Astelin patent litigation with Cobalt

Meda has settled the U.S. Astelin patent litigation with Cobalt

Meda, through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc., has
entered into a settlement agreement with Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc. (hereafter
Cobalt) that resolves the U.S. patent litigation between the companies regarding
Cobalt's proposed generic version of Astelin. 

Astelin (azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray) is used for treatment of allergic
and non-allergic rhinitis. The product is protected in the U.S. by a patent that
expires on 1 November 2010, with paediatric exclusivity extending until 1 May
2011.

The settlement agreement resolves the patent infringement action filed by Meda
after Cobalt's submission of an ANDA (Abbreviated New Drug Applications) to the
U.S. FDA (Food & Drug Administration) for a generic version of Astelin in July
2007. Under the settlement agreement, Cobalt admits infringement of Meda's
patent. The settlement agreement allows Cobalt to launch a generic version of
Astelin, under a license from Meda, on 28 August 2010 at the earliest. In such
case, Cobalt will pay 32.5% of their net sales of this product to Meda until 1
February 2011. 

“With this settlement agreement, Meda has no further patent litigations pending
in the U.S. for Astelin”, said Anders Lönner, CEO Meda.

In compliance with U.S. law, the settlement agreement will be submitted to the
U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice and is subject to their
review.




For more information, please contact:

Anders Larnholt, Vice President Investor Relations, tel. +46 8 630 19 62, +46
709 458 878
email: anders.larnholt@meda.se

MEDA AB (publ) is an international specialty pharma company that concentrates on
marketing and market-adapted product development. Acquisitions and long-term
partnerships are fundamental factors that drive the company's strategy. Meda is
represented with own organisations in 26 countries and with more than 1 500
employees within marketing and sales. Meda's products are sold in approximately
120 countries world-wide. The Meda share is listed under Large Cap on the OMX
Nordic Stock Exchange. Find out more, visit www.meda.se.